Japan’s Ministry of Defense has requested a record defense budget in response to the country’s growing security concerns. The Ministry’s request for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2026, will be the highest defense spending in the country’s history. This budget surpasses the previous record of 8.7 trillion yen set in 2025.
Japan Increases Defense Budget
The most striking item in the budget request is a tripling of funding for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Japan envisions investing 313 billion yen (approximately $2.12 billion) in various types of unmanned systems. Officials, having witnessed the effectiveness of UAVs in modern warfare during the Russia-Ukraine war, say Japan must rapidly increase its capabilities in this area.
This budget also includes the development of a new system called “SHIELD” to strengthen Japan’s coastal defenses. This system, planned for completion by 2028, aims to intercept enemy troops closer to land when long-range missiles prove ineffective.
Japan’s interest in UAVs has also brought the Turkish defense industry into the spotlight. Japanese Defense Minister Gen. Nakatani visited Turkey this month and took a close interest in Baykar and TAI. During the visit, the Bayraktar TB2, TB3, and Anka models were discussed. The Japanese press also reported on the country’s interest in Turkish UAVs at the time.
Other UAV manufacturers being considered by Japan include the US, UK, and Australia. This defense budget proposal, after being reviewed by the Ministry of Finance, will be included in the government’s overall budget proposal, which will exceed 122 trillion yen (approximately $828.5 billion).
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